Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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When Nixon resigned we were visiting old friends who lived 16 miles on a forest service road from the nearest highway (near Missoula, MT). They announced he would make a speech. We figured he would either resign or declare martial law and we would fell a tree across the road if it was the latter. They never had television because it would require a satellite dish on top of the hill in front of their cabin and he refused to ruin his view. They had a log cabin, goats, pigs, garden and 5 kids.
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Yup--Dion's "Abraham, Martin, & John" was a hit during the summer between my freshman & sophomore years in college.
We have window A/C units and hot water (radiators & baseboards) heat--so no central HVAC to malfunction. We recently replaced our water heater and the motor on our boiler. We don't have ductwork, so central HVAC would cost us about $30K to install!
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The Watergate period is more of a blur for me - Ken in a surgical residency and me in a PhD program with a long commute and two pre-schoolers.
I too am not a Steven King fan but really enjoyed the 11/23/63 book. I actually represented that area of Lisbon Falls, ME when I served in the Maine legislature. The "Moxie store" and it's owner are real characters as are several of the other folks. Mike Micheu (sp.) who served in Congress and ran for governor was in the legislature at the same time as I was.
I'm interested in your review of "The Splendid and the Vile," Cindy. My book club is considering it for next year - if we ever meet. We're already 2 months behind our scheduled books and we didn't have our usual May meeting to pick next year's books. I didn't realize how long it was. Travel safe.
My sister is going from south of Boston to Westport, ME tomorrow - needs to quarantine for 14 days after they get there. Fortunately they have neighbors and a church family who will shop for them. They are going up with two cats and a smaller car than they had last year. As for travel for us, I fear we will miss our daughter's 50th in Maine in Aug. Right now, I'm not comfortable with getting on a plane and we never stay 2 weeks.
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Wow, Taco--had no idea you had been a legislator! (Not surprised you have a PhD, however).
But Moxie? Quite possibly the most awful soft drink I've ever tasted (granted, it was Diet Moxie). Right up there with Coca-Cola's Italian release "Beverly." Back in 1991, when we visited the World of Coca-Cola museum in Atlanta, the tour ended in a giant room where we were given a large cup with ice. We placed the cup on a little platform, chose a Coca-Cola beverage (the ones commercially available in the U.S.), pressed a button and watched open-mouthed as our drink of choice traveled in a high arc and landed smack-dab in the cup.
But in the middle of the room was a small square dispenser with a couple dozen exotic foreign Coca-Cola releases. We were given small cups and instructed we could have only a couple oz. of two or three, and not to hog the machine and cause a long line to form. Beverly, labeled an "aperitivo nonalcoolico," was gross and bitter. But the docent said that of all the flavors, Beverly was always the most often to have to be refilled. When I asked why, she replied people would taste it, grimace and exclaim "hey, Bubba, you gotta try this!"
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ChiSandy - I never liked Moxie either but the man who ran the store, Frank Antonecci (I think that's the spelling) was quite a character and his store, with all kinds of "stuff", became a tourist attraction in the '80's.
I had a very eclectic career. I always said I "couldn't decide what I wanted to be when I grew up." We went from Maine to DC in 1992 where I ran an international non-profit and Ken worked first for Group Health (the first HMO in the country) and then Humana. He's a very "ahead of his time" spouse. Said in 1980 that I had followed him around for 14 years and it was time to follow me. He did - twice. Well, really 3 times as we moved to Arizona to be near my widowed mother in 1997.
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Taco what an interesting professional run and also great testament to the husband, marriage give and take.
I am also reading "The Splendid and the Vile". I was so enamoured with "Clementine" by Sonia Purnell (book group choice) that I wanted to read this too. Our book group finally caught up via Zoom which was adequate and fun to see see everyone. As soon as anyone finishes it I'll be interested to hear your thoughts. We saw the Churchill war rooms in London last summer which started all this intetest for me.
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The value of all service lies in the spirit in which you serve and not in the importance or magnitude of the service. Even the lowliest task or deed is made holy, joyous, and prosperous when it is filled with love. -Charles Fillmore
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As always, what a difference a day can make. The sun is out this morning ( a little muted at times ) and it will soar up to the 80's. Of course, we will get some likely storms out of that. Not sure just exactly where, but if not directly here, I think fairly close around us. We thought we'd have a 'downpour' already but it never arrived. Nothing special planned although it is bath day for my friend. I don't go over until after lunch on Thursdays. Not a great time but have to meet half way about it. She has a cleaning person taking up the morning. I don't want to change the bath days and neither does my friend. We are all used to them now.
My bil really loves that he gets some days off. I'm glad he does too. He has so fulfilled his promise to his deceased wife ( my Dh's only sister ) to take care of this woman, who was her friend in San Diego, Ca.
Hope you all have a fine day. Stay healthy and safe.
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Good morning, Ladies. I have been reading some golden oldies from my mom's estate. I am currently on "Above Suspicion" by Helen MacInnes - 1942.
We are getting estimates for a new roof. It has been on borrowed time for about 4 years.
The 1972 election was the first time I voted - Nixon & McGovern. LOL
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Just heard from my primary care doc's office and the news isn't good: he is, in the words of his staff, "gravely ill" with COVID19 and in the ICU (they didn't say whether he is intubated); his PA tested negative at the time he fell ill, but now she's feeling sick (has already had both types of flu) and is being re-tested today (and she has little kids at home). Pray for them both. He is about the same age we are (he was Bob's Chief Resident at U of I Hospital back in the day, but Bob was 3 yrs behind, having done his PhD first).
If two doctors who saw only office patients--and one NBC medical expert who took all the right precautions but then had to take a crowded flight--can get this, any of us can--any time we leave our homes. Those calling for the economy to reopen are selfish; those who acquiesce are murderers.
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Agree.
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Cook County now has more coronavirus-positives than any other county in the nation--we just passed Queens. But as to deaths, we're only #4. Nevertheless, despite having 138 deaths and >3000 new positive tests, because of the huge increase in daily tests performed, the positive-rate is now about 16%--and that's even in Chicago & Cook County. So our Gov. has announced that if this trend continues, Chicago & its suburbs will join the rest of the state in moving to phase 3 May 30. Bob says I should keep my June 10 mani-pedi appt., so long as there are no more than 10 people in the salon at any time, both the owner & I wear masks, she wears gloves and I wear my eye-shield. Because Francis Parker School across the street will not reopen till at least after Labor Day, parking won't be a problem (so I won't have to take a rideshare or the bus). I'm seriously considering having her do only a pedi and a regular-polish mani. I want to avoid the harsh soak-off process for gels, which totally trashed my nail beds. I will even bring along the Nailtiques. As to my hair, it's not too bad. 3 months of roots are barely noticeable, and I don't mind the texture. Here's a pic (bare face, ropy neck and all):
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I had a fill and pedicure today. It's a two person shop (husband and wife) and they had plastic protectors between the two sides of the table and used both sides of the shop. I was seated about 12 feet way from the person who was just leaving the pedicure area. I kept all my nails through taxol and I really think they did a great job of sanitizing before. Everyone wore masks and I didn't try to read my kindle while he was working on my hands. I also saw a sign at my hair stylist salon that one couldn't enter without both gloves and a mask, a policy I am all for. I get a trim next week but gave up on the color after chemo. And yes, I can drive rather than having to use public transportation.
We are being careful although venturing out with protection. Sadly, I think this is going to last a very long time and we need to be more aware. We have several of the medical conditions often related to age but all are controlled by medication, diet and exercise. On the other hand, we have our financial and legal affairs in order and repeated to our daughter in writing that neither of us wants to be put on a ventilator. I am much more afraid of dying of dementia (like my mother and cousins did), than dying of Covid.
On that high note, I bid you all good night.
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The local news this morning was full of reports on flooding from last night's torrential rain. Some places in our parish/county had as much as 11 inches. It poured buckets for hours, a "training" pattern. DH will not be playing golf today since the golf course will be sloppy wet. I haven't been playing lately because my golf game is too bad to be fun. I have been watching golf videos and have gone to the driving range a couple of times.
Yesterday I shopped at Sam's Club and at a supermarket for supplies to take north to MN. Today I will do some house cleaning and make a few more masks. I gave our "extra" masks to my younger sister, who visited a few days ago.
Keywestfan, when will you be moving?
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The Broken Pot
author unknown
A water bearer in India had two large pots, and each hung on opposite ends of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, and want to apologize to you."
"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"
"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said.
The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."
Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again he expressed his feeling to the water bearer.
He replied by saying, "Did you notice that flowers were only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your 'flaw,' and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my table. Without you being just the way you are, we would not have this beauty to grace our house."0 -
There is very slight muted sun ( may not last ) here right now. It rained last night. I think a good rather steady rain but it happened after I went to bed so I'm guessing from how it looked outside this morning. I checked this morning on our little screen room porch and there was no water. So, if that holds the new carpenter will definitely get more work from us a.
I hope you all that a good day. Stay safe and healthy.
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Wonderful story with a moral and ethical guide along the lines of Aesop's fables. Thanks for sharing.
Just saw the fox who has been trolling our bird feeder since the shutdown. She/he usually makes two swings through and occasionally gets "lucky" when it catches a dawdling squirrel. We had to cover the bird feeder overnight because it was being emptied by ? We think it is a raccoon who has learned how to bypass the squirrel baffle. We don't own a motion activated camera so we are just guessing as to the culprit but filling it ecery day was getting to be costly. I enjoy watching who comes to the feeder: cowbirds, blue jays, cardinals, nuthatches, woodpecker, starlings, doves, sparrows, chickadees and my favorite, the towhee. Have a good day.
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Real Quickie- moving out of congregate independent living right now for 6 months. Sandy, our beautiful Snowshoe Dahlia, who was mistreated before she became our DD, little girl, cat, is very timid ,very easily frightened. She’s seen all the bankers boxes, rushing around, nervousness, and has been on guard. Usually when she’s picked up to go in her carrier, she becomes submissive, but when I tried a few minutes ago to gently get her, she fought and I got scratched, I poured Purell and neosporine and will hope for the best, like your bite. She’s behind the bed now. We’ll wait awhile and hope we all calm down and try again. Otherwise we’ll have to disassemble the bed. OY!
On another note, so hope your doctor and PA recover. There is a wonderful doctor at North Shore, not mine, who is also wonderful with a closed practice. The first doctor, though, is on Winnetka Ave, name Donnesburger.
Today, at 3, Zoom with our computer guy to see if he can walk us through connecting Comcast , computers, tv’s, ...
Another OY! which is what our ophthalmologist and former neighbor said as they met on our street taking out recycling and he looked at Gil’s reddened eye. Operation followed
Judy
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Hi, ladies. It is a bright sunny day. I am doing laundry. My brother and I have decided to take mom's ashes to Virginia the 2nd week in June. It seems all but one of the chain hotels are open near the area we need to be. They are all following the CDC regulations or doing more. It looks as if Virginia is starting phase 1 in most areas today. I do dread the trip.
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OUCH, Judy! Hope you can get Dahlia into her carrier. What kind of eye surgery did Gil need (and why was his eye red? Did I miss a post)? I messaged my GYN at N. Shore (Lincolnwood office) for referral to a new PCP--if my current PCP survives, it's nearly a certainty he'd retire (having been Bob's Chief Res. at U of I, he's about 70); and even if his NP PA tests negative, I'm not comfortable having a non-MD or non-DO as a PCP.
Our housekeeper's DH tested negative a second time, so they're released from "stir." She's coming back to work on Mon. (masked, gloved, social-distancing, of course).
Stormed so much overnight that the in-ground power line from the basement to the detached garage shorted out for the first time since autumn. Good thing the crew who installed our new shared privacy fence was out there re-hanging my back gate so they could manually lift & hold up the garage door for Bob to exit. GFCI keeps kicking in despite it being warm & dry out, so I'm obviously not driving anywhere for the time being, and Bob will be parking on-street. The electrician, who kept flaking out all autumn long until it got too cold and snowy to work, swears he'll be here Tues. (or whenever two dry days in a row are forecast next week).
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Sandy that electric problem has been going on for far too long. I hope you get it resolved soon.
I got my new TV yesterday. Odd, but Ellen DeGeneres' "stalker" was seen carrying the box my TV came in off to the garbage. I don't know how it happened, but......
This morning I went downtown, had a bunch of things to do. Discovered that I had forgotten my credit card, so walked through most of downtown checking on which places are open. Went home, and I think the battery on my scooter is no longer taking a full charge. So I got my card, and went walking downtown again. Logged six miles. Needless to say, I did a bit of gardening, but stayed off my feet for the rest of the day. Tippy was tired, too...for once! LOL
Very interested at the present time in exploring all the possibilities of this new TV.
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On the road for 10.5 hours today, overnighting in Lumberton, NC. Great weather, more traffic than I expected.
Closed up the house, new hurricane shutters were great. As we were pulling out of the driveway I realized in had the shutter keys in my pocket. I ran them back in. As I pulled away, partner looked back and he says - you need to close the garage! I think everything else went well. LOL
Key West - I hope the cat calmed down enough so you didn't need to take apart the bed.
CeliaC - thank you for 11/23/63 info on Hulu. I have that and will have to enjoy watching once I'm back home.
Sandy - your hair looked great. My medium neutral brown dye shows my white roots all too fast. I may have go go lighter.
The Splendid and the Vile - I wanted to finish before we left FL. That didn't happen, so it's packed. Its enlightened me, the hindsight of knowing what was written in diaries - England and Gremany. The contrast, suffering public to the wealthy partying.
I've got to sleep, 7:30 wake up! Everyone have a good night and great Saturday!
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Cindy, safe travel.
Keywestfan, best of luck with your change of residence adventure.
Sandy, I know it will be wonderful to have your housekeeper back.
Jackie, yay on no leak.
I made 8 masks yesterday. The main challenge/pain is getting the ear loops just right so that the mask fits snugly, not too tight, not too loose. There were other challenges as I began to use the fine elastic cord I ordered online but it's too complicated to go into detail.
I will go for a walk this morning.
Happy Saturday.
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Good morning, Ladies.
Sandy, I am hoping to get my cleaning lady back this coming week. YAY
Cindy, wishing you a good rest of the trip.
I might go to the flea market and do some junking. I heard it was open.
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Peace comes from living a measured life. Peace comes from attending to every part of my world in a sacramental way. My relationships are not what I do when I have time left over from my work. . . . Reading is not something I do when life calms down. Prayer is not something I do when I feel like it. They are all channels of hope and growth for me. They must all be given their due.
Joan D. Chittister0 -
Sun it out this morning -- not real bright, but nice to see it period. I don't think we got any more rain last night. Looked very dry this morning nd stayed relatively warm. Safe travel to all. I am the cleaning lady here and I did not get near enough done yesterday. Dh wanted to go for a walk and we visited with our friends down the road. So, catch up today.
We are likely to have storms/rains for the next few days -- maybe the April showers a bit late. Have to see if they arrive or not and when. Dh may want more walks if we end up with night rains. Anyway, back on my list is cleaning of the walls in the screen room. The last two yrs. I've not done it since the leaky roof just re-deposited some of the dark gray looking areas. It is a difficult job and I want the work to last more than one season. Hopefully, now it will so will be well worth the efforts that need to be made.
Hope you all stay safe and healthy.
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Carole, I've found the elastic to be the biggest challenge when making masks. I can tell you from personal experience that they get really uncomfortable if the elastic is just a bit too tight!
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I gave up on elastic very early-- plus it was too difficult to get some, without buying in huge amounts which I couldn't afford. I made continuous loop ties, threaded through casings at the sides. I have a bunch more to finish, promised to a friend who is a home health care worker.
We walked over to the farmer's market this morning. One of the Amish vendors had a black headcover UNDER a white net cap. A little bit more open with me and my frizz-head. I made a comment, and sure enough.....
She is apparently single, and I commented on a male friend driving me to the Amish greenhouse to get an eggplant-plant. 0 -
We had a very loud thunderstorm last night until after 3am. It seem like it was really raining hard but just under 1.5 inches is what the rain gauge shows. Had 4inches three days ago so didn't need a whole lot more.
Carole, I'm making masks with ties. Have used double fold seam binding but had too much waste, and couldn't get any more at the time so I started making ties from the same fabric. It takes time but I calculated the cost and using the seam binding was more expensive. Besides that I have lots of fabric in my quilting stash that can be used. Am using a pattern developed by folks at the medical school in Austin. When made with an opening to insert a filter, the website said their surgeons are willing to use them. I do use the fusible interfacing the pattern calls for so there are 3 layers in the mask.
Cindy, safe travels and a good homecoming.
To all: stay safe and stay well.
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Shoelaces work for ties as well. I happened to have some on hand. I loop the elastic thru the side channels and tie it. That way it's adjustable. The side channels also work for inserting ties. I saw one pattern that had the tie sewn to the top and bottom of the mask, becoming part of the mask. DD prefers ties. She was a surgical tech and has experience wearing masks for a long time. I also went through my Goodwill bag and found 3 camisoles I bought and hated. The straps are elastic and have the little adjustable thing to vary the length.
Beaverntx, Do you fuse the interfacing to the outer or inner layer?
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